Plate Assembly for Concrete Substrate Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for removing substrates such as concrete slabs are hazardous and destructive due to the heavy weight of the materials, posing risks to personnel and equipment during repair or demolition operations.
Innovation Solution
A plate assembly with a support plate and bracket that aligns with the center of gravity of a cut section, featuring apertures for secure attachment and an interior channel for a lifting mechanism, allowing safe and controlled lifting of substrate sections using a fork lift.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If impact tools like jackhammers are used to break up substrate, then substrate removal can be achieved, but the operation becomes hazardous and destructive to property and equipment due to the heavy weight of substrate sections
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into smaller, manageable sections through cutting before removal. This segmentation allows each section to be handled individually with controlled weight, reducing the hazard to personnel and equipment while maintaining removal productivity
Solution Approach 2:
A plate assembly with bracket acts as an intermediary device between the cutting tool and the substrate section. This intermediary provides a secure attachment point and controlled lifting mechanism, enabling safe handling of the heavy substrate sections without direct manual manipulation
2Ease of operation
If heavy substrate sections are manually handled, then removal operation can proceed, but the risk of injury to personnel and damage to property increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The plate assembly serves as a mediator that interfaces between the cutting operation and the heavy substrate section. It provides attachment mechanisms that secure to the cut substrate and a bracket structure that enables controlled lifting, making the operation easier while minimizing injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
Manual handling of heavy substrate sections is replaced by a mechanical lifting system consisting of the plate assembly and bracket. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to directly lift or move heavy sections, significantly reducing injury risk while maintaining operational efficiency
3Productivity
If traditional cutting and lifting equipment is used, then substrate sections can be removed, but the operation becomes potentially destructive to the property or equipment involved
Solution Approach 1:
The plate assembly acts as a protective intermediary between the cutting equipment and the substrate section, and between the lifting mechanism and the substrate. This intermediary distributes forces evenly and provides secure attachment points, preventing damage to both the substrate and the equipment used in the removal operation
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for lifting and removing substrate, such as a cut section from an underlying concrete slab. A plate assembly has a planar support plate and a u-shaped support bracket extending therefrom. The support plate is placed onto the section to be removed. The support bracket has adjoining first, second and third web portions to define an interior channel above the support plate. First and second apertures extend through the support plate on opposing sides of the support bracket and are used to secure the support plate to the cut section using attachment mechanisms such as anchor bolts. A lifting mechanism such as a fork lift inserts a fork through the interior channel to lift the plate assembly and cut section. The interior channel may be contoured to facilitate centering of the fork during lifting and movement of the plate assembly and the cut section.